Take a closer look at five major projects that are coming to our city.
Long-derelict sites finally seeing some action, a new foodie hub and an exciting development from a global giant – Leeds is as restless as ever. There’s been a step forward for the mass transit system, and a much-needed housing scheme is nearer to fruition. Here’s everything you need to know…
Routes for Mass Transit System revealed
The proposed routes for the West Yorkshire mass transit network have been revealed by Mayor Tracy Brabin. Phase One will connect south Leeds with St James’ Hospital, while a line will run from Leeds city centre in to Bradford. All proposed routes pass the White Rose Centre.
Drop-in sessions for the public will be held across Leeds and Bradford until Monday 30th September 2024 as part of a wider consultation process. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority say that feedback will have an impact on which options they aim to go forward with.
Plans for Kirkgate Market Food Village stack up
Leeds has never had a container-style venue like the Boxparks the capital boasts. This could all be changing with the news that there has been progress towards a brand new food village at Leeds Kirkgate market. Leeds City Council put out feelers and has announced STACK as a preferred operator.
STACK already have venues in Newcastle and Sunderland, with Manchester opening soon. The focus is very much on street food and bars, usually with a large screen for major sporting events. It could really revitalise the outside of the market but is, of course, subject to planning and licensing approvals.
Get set for park life on the South Bank
Credit: Aire Park
There has been plenty going on at and around the Tetley site recently and developers Vastint have been working closely with design practice Planit to move the work at Aire Park forward. The first phase is in motion including tiered lawn terraces, pollinating gardens and an events space.
They’re aiming to complete the work this year, then open it to the public in summer 2025. The park will incorporate a play area, amphitheatre, events spaces and a play area, with an emphasis on seamlessly integrating the urban landscape of the area with sustainable, natural habitats
Dyecoats is coming to Kirkstall Road
Credit: Latimer
There have been a couple of false dawns at the Kirkstall Road site formerly known as City Reach. Last we heard, in 2020, Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, had acquired the brownfield site that was once home to Yorkshire chemicals for a residential mixed-use scheme.
Now they’ve announced their plans for the site, renamed Dyecoats. They’re aiming to build over 1,500 homes at the riverside location, with a mixture of shared ownership and private homes, plus build-to-rent and social rent housing. The project also includes a new pedestrian bridge over the River Aire.
Microsoft set to move to Leeds
Credit: Harworth Group
The news that Microsoft are to open a data centre in Leeds is a real biggie. They’re making a significant investment on the site of the former Skelton Grange Power Station, striking a deal worth £106.6 million after property group Harworth got planning approval for a 1.12m square foot development at the site.
It will be Microsoft’s first presence in Leeds, further cementing the city’s reputation as a tech giant, and will provide jobs in the centre itself, in addition to major investment in the construction of the site. Plans include the data centre, an energy-from-waste facility and a battery energy storage system.
Cover image credit: Credit: West Yorkshire Combined Authority. This artist’s impression shows features of a regular urban transport corridor featuring a mass transit system, and does not necessarily reflect any future design of a Mass Transit system in West Yorkshire.
